Dogs

Buying a puppy: how to find a healthy dog with papers

Updated 20 October 2026

First decide what you want the dog for

For guarding a house you need a confident breed with a strong temperament, such as a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler. For a flat and walks with children, a Labrador, a Golden Retriever or small companion breeds will do. People who want a working dog look for working lines with proven drive. Do not take a dog “because it is fashionable”: think about energy, shedding, the size of the adult dog and the time you can give.

One more question is the class. A pet is cheaper, while a dog for breeding or shows with titled parents costs a lot more.

Papers and health

• A puppy registration certificate, which becomes the basis of a pedigree from a kennel club such as the FCI. Without papers, the breed rests on the breeder's word.
• A vet passport with age-appropriate vaccinations, treatment against worms and fleas, and a microchip or tattoo.
• Tests of the parents for hereditary diseases: for large breeds this is hip and elbow dysplasia, and for some, eye and heart checks.
• Age of handover: usually not before 8–10 weeks, when the puppy has had its first vaccinations and stayed with its mother.

What to put in your request

• breed or “mixed breed”;
• age, for example a puppy of 2 months;
• sex and colour;
• papers — registration certificate, kennel club pedigree;
• purpose — family, guarding, working, shows, breeding;
• vaccinations — microchip, vet passport, treatments;
• city and budget.

Example: “I am looking for a German Shepherd puppy, male, black and tan, 2 months old, with a kennel club certificate, vaccinated and microchipped, to guard a private house. Central, pick-up. Budget up to HK$2,700.”

What else to consider

A puppy will grow, so ask about the size of the adult dog, its need for walks and training. Budget for food, vaccinations, gear, socialisation and perhaps help from a dog trainer. If you have children or other animals at home, tell the breeder: they can say which puppy in the litter suits you best in temperament.

How to compare offers

Compare not just the price but the whole package: certificate, vet passport, microchip, terms of the agreement, guarantees. Make sure you see the puppy's mother and the conditions they grew up in. Warning signs are a seller who does not let you into the house and hands over only “somewhere outside”, no papers for the parents, a too-low price for an “elite” breed and a demand for full payment in advance.

Come to the meeting in person or hold a video call. Do not pay in advance for an animal you have not seen.

How BlaBlaPrice works

You describe who you are looking for once on BlaBlaPrice, and kennels and owners reply in the chat: who is available, papers, price, terms. The platform shows the best-fitting offer first, with reviews next to it. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose a seller. Learn more in how it works.

If you are ready to take an animal for free, there is a section “Pets free to a good home”. Also take a look at cats and pet supplies.